Churches
We’re delighted that you are considering joining the network and hope you find the application process to be simple. If you’ve any questions do contact Andy Law.
Why should you join?
1. Relationships with agencies
Are you confused by the number of agencies and unsure how to engage with them? We have guidelines to help mission agencies and churches work together in partnership, each respecting and affirming the role of the other.
2. Christian Vocations
Needing someone to fill a specific role? Advertise your vacancies with Christian Vocations at a discounted price. There are also special rates for advertisements in iServe and the SERVE short-term publications that both enjoy a wide circulation and include an online presence.
2. Raising standards
Want to improve what you are doing? Many of the forums provide sharing and learning opportunities. Global Connections also has a growing portfolio of codes, policy guidelines and pro-forma.
3. Networking
Ever feel isolated? As a network we provide unique links to others involved in mission and who have the same passions as you. Throughout the year there is a variety of events and forums, covering a vast range of topics and issues. There is probably one that fits you. Members attend at greatly discounted prices.
4. Exploring the future of mission
Don't have the time to think or reflect? What are the key issues in mission? What does the future hold? The network provides opportunities to think about key issues and reflect theologically.
5. Information resource
Looking for that resource you cannot find? We are here to help. Maybe we don't know, but someone in the network will.
6. Insurances and Group Life Cover
Through our partnerships we have negotiated some special insurance programs for our members. These have been selected based on terms that are favourable for overseas workers.
- Banner Financial Services - providers of specific travel insurance to mission and aid workers
- Talent Trust Consultants for international medical insurance
- Jelf Insurance Broking - experts in Insurance, Risk Management and Employee Benefits for businesses and individuals.
- MasterPolicy for group life insurance
7. Pensions
Even mission workers eventually retire! Global Connections provides access to group personal pension schemes both for UK staff and for mission partners overseas. The schemes are with Zurich Assurance and are administered by Independent Financial Advisers, Succession Group Ltd.
How much does it cost?
| Assessable income | Contribution |
1 | Greater than £5m | £ 995 |
2 | £2m to £5m | £ 625 |
3 | £1m to £2m | £ 375 |
4 | £500,000 to £1m | £ 265 |
5 | £250,000 to £500,000 | £185 |
6 | £100,000 to £250,000 | £150 |
7 | Under £100,000 | £125 |
Global Connections brings together many different agencies with a diversity of ways of working. That diversity is often a reflection of different historical backgrounds, church affiliations and functions.
It is also reflected in the way in which an agency handles its financial affairs. For example, some make public appeals, others do not. Some pool all of their income, others have developed a highly personalised system of support for their missionaries. Some spend most of their income on projects, others on people.
To try to be fair to all, we have devised the following guidelines for calculating your contributions. Please base your calculations on your latest audited or examined annual accounts. Contact us if you need further guidance.
Income which should be included:
- Donation Income, including gifts for the support of personnel and ongoing projects
- Income directly related to the activities of the charity
- Investment income and interest
Income which should be excluded:
- Gifts towards one off capital projects of a non-routine nature
- Gifts with a specific restriction of a non-regular type;
- Gifts which are of an unusually large amount which distort the income trend
How do you join?
All church members must be in agreement with the Global Connections’ Basis of Faith and Cooperation and agree to pay the annual subscription. There is a membership fee estimator tool in the right-hand column of this page.
Please complete the online application form below or download, print off and complete the membership application pack and send by email to alaw@globalconnections.org.uk or by post to Global Connections, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa CV31 1QD.
Your application will be processed as quickly as possible at which point we will contact you. The trustees reserve the right not to accept a membership application or to remove a member if they deem it to be in the best interests of the network.
Churches are able to nominate people who meet the required criteria to serve on the Council – these are the voting members of the company.